Herbs and plantsOleander — an ornamental shrub that heals the heart or stops it?
Sources: 2 · Article: 4 061 characters
Yes — oleander leaves were used as a heart medicine.
- They were used for weakened heart function and rhythm disorders, and studies described their effectiveness in circulatory failure.
- However, it is important to remember that an overdose of oleander preparations causes poisoning.
What the authors write
Henryk Różański
Oleander leaf extract was recommended for heart muscle failure and rhythm disorders.
„Before World War II, the Knoll A-G company officially introduced a preparation called Oleander-Perpurat for medical use. It was an extract of oleander leaves, sold in 50 g bottles for 1.38 RM (in the 1930s). It was recommended for heart muscle failure and heart rhythm disorders.”Przed II wojną światową firma Knoll A-G wprowadziła oficjalnie do lecznictwa preparat o nazwie Oleander-Perpurat, który był ekstraktem z liści oleandra, sprzedawanym w butelkach po 50 g w cenie 1,38 RM (lata 30.). Polecany przy niewydolności mięśnia sercowego i zaburzeniach rytmu serca.
Henryk Różański
Clinical studies were described that confirmed oleander’s effectiveness in treating circulatory failure.
„Several sound clinical studies were carried out, confirming oleander’s effectiveness in treating circulatory failure. However, oleander was unlucky when it came to the advertising, marketing, and outreach of the time, and did not reach enough doctors and pharmacists. As a result, it never became as widely known as the glycosides of lily of the valley, foxglove, or strophanthus.”Przeprowadzono kilka porządnych badań klinicznych, potwierdzających skuteczność oleandra w leczeniu niewydolności krążenia. Oleander nie miał jednak szczęścia w zakresie ówczesnej reklamy, marketingu i dotarcia do dostatecznej liczby lekarzy i aptekarzy, przez co nie odniósł tak dużego rozgłosu jak glikozydy konwalii, naparstnicy, czy strofantusa.
Henryk Różański
Oleander glycosides were described as helpful for angina, rhythm disorders, and swelling.
„Oleander glycosides proved helpful in treating angina, combating extra contractions, passive congestion, and swelling. They prevent high blood pressure and arrhythmia. They treat cardiac neurosis. Oleandrin can replace foxglove. Dosage: powdered oleander leaves – Pulvis Fol.”Glikozydy oleandra okazały sie pomocne w leczeniu dławicy piersiowej, z zwalczaniu skurczów dodatkowych, przekrwienia biernego i obrzęków. Zapobiegają nadciśnieniu i arytmii. Leczą nerwicę serca. Oleandryna może zastąpić naparstnicę.Dawkowanie: sproszkowane liście oleandra – Pulvis Fol.
Henryk Różański
An overdose of oleander preparations can cause poisoning.
„An overdose of oleander preparations causes poisoning, with symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, and painful spasms of the digestive tract. People with a particularly sensitive digestive tract may experience digestive complaints when given high therapeutic doses.”Przetwory oleandrowe przedawkowane wywołują zatrucie objawiające się wymiotami, biegunką i bolesnymi skurczami przewodu pokarmowego. Osoby o szczególnie wrażliwym przewodzie pokarmowym mogą odczuwać dolegliwości ze strony przewodu pokarmowego przy podawaniu wysokich dawek leczniczych.
Research from PubMed · Europe PMC
We selected 1 studies with the best, positive results. This is a selection, not a full review of all research.
Total number of studies on this topic in PubMed: 33.
In rats, oleander flower extract reduced heart damage experimentally induced by isoproterenol.
Aim of the study: Nerium oleander Linn (NOL) an evergreen shrub belonging to the Apocynaceae family has been reported to have a wide spectrum of bioactivities.
Results: Furthermore, the cardioprotective role of ENO (10, 30, 100 mg/kg, per oral [po]) was tested against isoproterenol-induced myocardial toxicity (ISO, 120 mg/kg per day, subcutaneously [sc], for 2 days at 48 hours interval) in experimental rats when compared to propranolol (5 mg/kg, po) which was the standard. Pretreatment with ENO (10, 30, and 100 mg/kg) and propranolol for 2 weeks followed by ISO challenge in rats prevented the elevation of marker enzymes such as lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT), creatine kinase (CK-MB and creatine phosphokinase [CPK]), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in plasma. In addition, pretreatment with ENO and propranolol significantly attenuated the lipid peroxidation by maintaining the levels of enzymatic (superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase) and nonenzymatic antioxidants (reduced glutathione and nitrite), which was also confirmed histologically.
Money for the studynot stated
Do the authors have ties to companies?not stated
Did a manufacturer help with the study?unknown
Type of studyanimal study
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
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